To Top Field, home of Hitchin for a Hertfordshire derby game. The Canaries 18th in the League with 27 points from their 26 matches, W7, D6 and L13. Among their ranks are former Saint Chris McMennamin, injured today and City triallist, James Ayres. City are 3rd in the League, looking to draw away from the pack chasing the leaders, the 'Shots.
For today, Cookie selected Wilmot in goal, 4 at the back: Moran, Brown (C), Campbell and Naylor; 4 in the middle: Kean, Challinor, Stirling and Young; and up front: Crawshaw and Martin. On the bench: De Souza, Slinn, Evans and Deacon. In the stand injured: Oakes, Gledhill and Smith. On loan at Arlesey: Mackail-Smith.
It's a strange game, football. City played the better football for the first half, looking to use the ball particularly on the right flank with the pacy Young but the final ball into the box let them down and few chances fell to the hard-working strikers. Hitchin seemed lacking in ideas in attack but created 3 good chances and it is fair to say that Wilmot kept the visitors in the game during the first period, with another good display. I don't know how to score that on points but at half-time, it was 0-0.
The Saints started the second half in lively fashion but it was Hitchin who took the lead on 58 minutes, when the visitors off-side trap was sprung and Drew gave Wilmot no chance from 8 yards or so. City heads did not drop and levelled within 4 minutes. Good passsing out of defence and through the midfield found Young, who had a fine game today, wide on the right. Passes through Crawshaw and Challinor across the box found Kean just outside the area deep on the left and a super cross was powerfully headed home by Martin. 1-1.
De Souza came on for the tireless Crawshaw. The visitors were comfortable in defence, Campbell again having a good day. City pressed and looked the more likely to score. Into the last 5 minutes and another crisp passing movement found Martin just inside the box deep on the right and his cross was headed home by De Souza. 1-2. F.T.
This was very good football, particularly in the 2nd half by City. They kept the ball on the ground and the midfield worked well as a unit. They showed patience through a frustrating 1st half and great character having gone a goal down. Hitchin were disappointing. They had little to offer in midfield and attack except a physical committment which became over-physical on more than one occasion.
A good attendance of 558 with over 200 of the Travelling City Faithful. Motm? For me Wilmot, Campbell or Young although they all played their part.
Entertainment 8/10. Atmosphere 8/10. Technical Merit 7/10. Referee 6/10.
Report by Awayday |
